Tuesday 31 August 2010

Frosh Week Day 1

Frosh today was certainly quite an adventure. First of all, it was one of the hottest days to have an orientation day!  I was already sweating buckets by the time I reached Finch Station.But who can help weather right?

What really got me angry was the TTC.  I know I complain about public transit on a regular basis , but today was absolutely ridiculous!  When I reached Finch Station, there was a HUGE delay due to problems on the subway line.  After much waiting, there was FINALLY a shuttle bus to Sheppard Station.   Good thing there was this cute, little boy in front of me who kept smiling and playing with me. But good gracious, that was seriously ridiculous!

By the time I reached the university, I was already overwhelmed by the loudness, and the amount of students.  I was supposed to be put into Group 1 but I couldn't find them!  Instead, I was put into Team 16, which I don't mind at all!  Both of my leaders are in Journalism and they LOVE IT!  I'm taking this as an advantage to ask them several questions about the program.  It was also refreshing to finally meet some people because this summer has been kind of a bore...

To be honest, I don't even feel so bad about not living in residence.  There was this girl I met who didn't get in...and she lives in Vancouver!  That doesn't make any sense!  Now I understand why I didn't get in, but the fact that she had to come all the way to Toronto by a plane gives her enough of a reason to movie into rez! 

It was pretty awkward meeting new people, but I suppose that's what it's supposed to be like when you're going to a new school!  From what I have seen, it is certainly not like Catholic schools!  The people are more uncensored, are a bit weirder and do worse things.  How naive I am.

P.S.  There was a creepy old man talking to me on the subway.  He was telling me how he hated people who were cheap with money, and that he couldn't deal with it.  He said that he would cut their heads off or something...that was what his gesture was like! I don't know...but he kept talking to me and he was definitely giving me the skeevies.  I started to run away when I reached Don Mills, but he saw me.  He pumped his fist in the air, and he laughed manically.  I think I'm going to have a nightmare tonight!

Sunday 29 August 2010

G2 Exam

Yesterday was my G2 driver's exam.  Even though I live closer to the Lawrence and Victoria Park area, my instructor opted for the Aurora location.  It's kind of a bitch to drive up there when you aren't using the highways because it takes around 40 minutes to drive up.  To add onto that, my instructor asked me to go into small neighbourhoods to practice parallel parking and three point turns. However, I'm kind of glad I took my exam there because it was much easier.  There was less traffic,  fewer people, and the streets were not busy at all.  As well, that, my test was at 4:25 pm, close to closing time.Good thinking on my instructor's part because my test only lasted around 10 minutes. 

All I had to do was downhill park, three point turn, and back in.  And then, I passed!  It was much easier than I thought because I kind of didn't have confidence in myself.  I thought I was going to fail after hearing all those stories about people failing their G2 test three times.  It also did not help to see a grown woman bawling her eyes out for failing.  

It is honestly such a relief that I have my G2 now because I don't have to continue on with classes after the summer with university going to get in the way. It kind of proves to me that my summer hasn't been a complete waste, as I practiced practically every single day.  Now I am super excited to go cruising around town by myself!  I just have to keep careful now.

P.S.  I found the examiners really monotone.  The man I got told me I passed, and when I celebrated with an enthusiastic 'YAY!', he just looked at me like I was crazy...Oh well...I PASSED YAHOO

Sunday 22 August 2010

I'm Going to New York!!!

This summer has been pretty sporadic.  With my sister working in London, Ontario as well as my Frosh Week getting in the way, we haven't really gotten to go on our annual family vacation. Usually, we tend to go on a Caribbean cruise.  I really don't mind that we aren't going this year because I was never a big fan of family trips in the first place (well, since grade 7). 

Don't get me wrong though because I really do appreciate the opportunities I am given. It's just that as I started to grow older, my love for family vacations have started to wane.  I don't know what it is, but I tend to get really annoyed with my family when we are in a foreign area with no one else to turn to. 

I realize I sound like a big jerk here for saying I don't like traveling with my family.  I guess it mostly depends on the area we are going to. For one thing, the Caribbean weather tends to get hot and sticky.  Perhaps the weather makes me cranky.  Or maybe it's the somewhat boring sight-seeing areas we go to at times...

But now that I'm older, I'm trying really hard to actually appreciate the different types of places I get to see. It is, after all, a learning experience.

But enough with the chitter chatter!  I'm going to New York this weekend, so I know it's going to be fun! I love traveling to big cities because of the people, the sights, the shopping, and just the atmosphere! So if anyone knows any good places around New York, let me know!!  The shopping is wonderful, and maybe this time, I can get some thrifting done!  I heard the thrift stores in this city are AMAZING!

Thursday 19 August 2010

ENROLLING FOR CLASSES = STRESSFUL


This is my finalized schedule for the fall semester.  At first I wanted to take Popular Culture for my elective, but it turns out that it was either full or conflicted with my other classes.  I was really angry Popular Culture filled up so quickly because I woke up early just to enroll!!  And so, I tried Music and Film, Politics and Film, History of Film and The Art of Culture...all complete no-gos.  So then, I tried The Politics of Human Needs.  And finally, it fit into my schedule.

But I didn't want that course.

I wanted to avoid anything politics related (except for Politics and Film because it had to do with Film) because I'm not interested in that subject.  So then, I decided then and there that I would take up French and continue where I left off.  I took the online placement test (I'm not going to lie here, I used the dictionary to help me find words when composing.) and apparently, I'm in Intermediate FRENCH II! That makes me really scared because I heard University French is difficult and completely different from high school. So what should I expect?

I think for now I'm going to stay optimistic about the course because the profs said I COULD switch to the lower level within the first two weeks. Good thing that class fits into my schedule as well. Now that I think of it, I'm kind of glad I stuck with French.

Thursday 12 August 2010

A couple of small regrets

I know I should be excited for University, and I am...but I cannot help but feel a little sad that I won't be leaving home.  It's funny how all the universities I applied to were out of town except for Ryerson University.  But the one I ended up choosing, was Ryerson.  I cannot stress how much I want to leave home, move in somewhere by myself, and just LIVE.  I want to be on my own, go out with friends, and learn how to do things myself.  Not to mention, I want to be far away from my parents, to HAVE SOME FREEDOM. 

Then why didn't I pick the schools that are out of town?  Several would ask that, and my answer is because of the program that I'm going into.  I chose the school solely for it's excellent reputation for Journalism and Broadcasting.  There has been a lot of funding put into the program; not to mention the plethora of opportunities set around Downtown Toronto. Getting into the program was even harder, as I had to set up a portfolio to get in. So you can imagine what a relief and joyous moment for me it was to learn I got accepted!

I really did have a hard time deciding which school to choose because I REALLY wanted to go out of town.  I had to do a lot of thinking, and realized that the benefits from Ryerson surpassed Carleton in terms of my education, experience, and my future.  While Carleton is a great school, I just couldn't really picture myself in that atmosphere. And did I really want to risk getting cut from Carleton's Journalism program in the second year? It was a risky position to be.  Besides, from seeing all that Ryerson Journalism can offer, it would be silly to refuse this program just to live out of town.

I have tried to make the best of my staying-at-home-situation by applying to residence at Ryerson.  But I am on the waiting list.  I've lost hope however, because the school only has 500 vacancies.  Obviously, I would not be a first choice.  This makes me a bit upset because my stay at home has been prolonged.  But come second year, I will hopefully be able to get a condo with a couple of room mates.  It would be much easier to travel, and I WOULD GET TO LEAVE HOME!! How this day is so close but yet so far....
Don't get me wrong though.  I love Downtown Toronto. It's so busy and full of life!

When Bored on a Hot Summer's Day

This summer has been pretty uneventful to say the least. Other than going to Vancouver at the beginning, which was pretty awesome, I have been living the hermit life.  Living this kind of life is relaxing at times, but it is emotionally draining.  I. AM. SO. BORED.  Most days, I am working on my part time editorial intern position for a website, going on Facebook, reading, or cooking food. On some occasions, I go out to practice my driving, as my G2 exam is on August 27th. If I'm not doing that, I'm watching Degrassi and gushing over Elijah Goldsworthy.  Which is strange, because my cousin went to school with Munro Chambers (the guy playing him)

But don't get me wrong, I do go out with friends.  It's just that most of them are working...and I am not. I feel so stupid for not taking the job I was offered because I really wanted to get an internship, which I did. However I don't even know if that's working the way I want it to be.I think I better start stepping up my game.

So today, I decided to take some photos of myself because I was bored.  And not only that, changing into ''going out clothing" is much more refreshing!  Not to mention,  I should go out and get some Vitamin C!!
Note to Self:  GET A TRIPOD.  I'm pretty bad when it comes to self-timer pictures, and the several pictures that I took came out awkward.  But in general, the whole thing was pretty awkward. I mean, a girl taking pictures of herself!  Narcissist much?

But to be honest, I am actually not a narcissist. In fact, I am quite self conscious of my appearance.  That is why I enjoy shielding myself behind sunglasses because 1. They hide my ginormous baggy eyes, and 2. They are pretty BAMF. 


However, I am quite content with the way these pictures came out after a countless amount of times.  And although I'm not very confident in my appearance, I still don't believe in using make-up.  I like to think that one day, someone will appreciate me through it all: natural looks and personality.  And besides, make-up is too much of a hassle anyways!  I like to get out of bed, look presentable, and out the door!  But in this case, I'm at home...WOE IS ME.

But on a fashion related note, I recently received some heavy bling as a graduation gift from my aunt!  It's very flashy, and I don't really know when I'll be wearing it, but I think it's pretty gorgeous. 

And there you have it. A boring day with Samantha Lui. So what kind of things should I do this summer?  Share your ideas with me =)


Tuesday 10 August 2010

To mark the upcoming new year...

For most people, the New Year comes on December 31st...and if you're Chinese, it comes around late January to February.  However, if you are a student like me, the new year is generally the upcoming school year.  It's almost like the first day makes it or breaks it for you.  This all sounds a bit dramatic yes, but recently  I have decided to get a style makeover.  I'm going into my first year of university for goodness sakes and I believe that a fresh beginning should make sense!!!!!

So...away with the old, cheap dowdy clothes and in with the new.  Just so you know, I am a caring, sharing, and loving human being and did not actually throw away my old clothes.  I donated them so someone else can enjoy them.  You know what they say, 'one man's trash, is another man's treasure!' But in this case I should say 'person' as it is more open for the other sex.  


 This is me in Grade 11 at the Raptors Game.  I think I look kind of boring. 

So I got the hair down, since I cut it in Grade 12...  But I've noticed that a lot of other people are cutting it short too. Not to mention, they're getting an undercut, where they shave half of their head.  Okay, I admit that some people look good with it, but I can't imagine what it would look like when it starts to grow out...AWKWARD...

So now there's the clothes.  I should really start a section where I show people how to shop thrifty and smart, because I'm incredibly cheap. I do not like spending a lot of money on things, so you can imagine how much bad quality clothing I used to own in my closet.  But if I want to have a better looking closet filled with beautiful clothes, I should start spending a little bit more for quality.

That being said, I recently went shopping at Pacific Mall.  Pacific Mall is a large Chinese mall in Markham, Ontario, a little bit farther than Toronto.  It is one of Ontario's biggest tourist attractions.  No surprise there, because there is not a holiday when this mall is closed!  Chinese people, they are hard-working!

  But back to my shopping adventure, I decided to go there to buy a onesie because I don't see  many nice ones in Western stores. I'm not usually one to shop at Asian malls due to the crowded-ness but if I wanted to be unique, I had to give it a try!  Shopping at Pacific Mall probably isn't for everyone.  If you don't like to be bothered by persistent shop owners, you might want to reconsider. The stores are fairly small, and sometimes the sales associates can be up in your face about convincing you to purchase items.  Sometimes, they might not let you try on clothes. Don't fret though, because a lot of the store owners are pretty nice.

Maybe, except one.

I was able to try on clothing, but man, was she ever rude!  She gave me dirty looks and when I decided to give her the rejects, she just looked at me and was expecting me to buy!  Yeah, forget that.  I know I'm not the ~ideal~ Chinese looking girl but YEEEESH, you were pretty darn rude, if I say so myself!

But luck was on my side, because I did find a onesie that looked decent, and pretty cute on me.  It was...32 dollars, but my mother kept telling me it was worth the price as not a lot of people would own something like what I found.  And so, I handed over my money, and now I love it!  Plus, the saleslady was soooo much nicer! She complimented me, and said that since I was tall, I would get compliments too!  You see, I don't get many comments like that FROM ANYONE. So seeing that not everyone is be a rude biatch at Pacific Mall, I decided that I should make more trips there soon! 

By the way, I'm not very photogenic, so this picture is quite unflattering. With a few accessories and a cute jacket of some sort, maybe...my leather jacket...THIS OUTFIT WOULD BE CUTE and pretty BAD ASS ;)

The People You Meet on Facebook

I recently completed a film for my school's Art Show called Tempest. I finally got to uploading the movie on Youtube, after a countless number of times. It was actually very stressful. For some reason, they don't allow for a video longer than 10 minutes to be uploaded, even though I've seen videos there that are like 15 minutes long. I really didn't want to split my video in half because 1. I'm Lazy, and 2. I didn't want people getting lazy and only watching the first part, when clearly, my favourite parts come near the end (PART 2).

But since Youtube has not been cooperating, I had to split it up. As well, Youtube has also ruined the video quality of my movie....so I'm not exactly pleased with that. HOWEVER, many of my friends who have now seen the movie gave me fairly favourable reviews. But is it because they genuinely liked the movie, or are they just being nice? AGH..maybe I need some more confidence in my work!!

I got the idea of this film from many of the people I have seen and interacted with through Facebook and Social Networking Sites. I thought that several of these people behaved ridiculously. As rude as that sounds, I found people’s obsessions, reactions and behaviours online very amusing. Thus, I decided to write a script about it. Since I want to be a journalist, I added in the interviews to not only practice my skills as an interviewer, but to also see how my peers react to what they see on Facebook in a series of questions.

Originally, my movie was going to be using a completely different script. I was going to get actors to play the roles, but considering the time frame, I did not want to deal with scheduling conflicts, which have proved to not work well through past experiences. As well, my original script was not detailed enough, and it was too long! And so, I trashed it. As tedious as that sounds, I learned that sometimes doing it over is much more worth it!

Therefore, my friend Brian offered me another suggestion. On field trips, our film class watched two different films by an artist called Alison Kobayashi. In her work, she played all her characters and was able to get into her given characters really well. What I enjoyed about her movies was the fact that they did not require an expensive budget, therefore making her script and acting the more concentrated areas in her work. Seeing that I didn’t have many resources to work with, I decided to give her approach of making films a try.

So, as I proceeded with the filming....
I felt very awkward acting by myself in front of a camera at first. I knew that I could not get into character when other people were around. So all filming took place when I was alone. When I did get more comfortable, I found it a little difficult to memorize my script and at the same time film my scenes perfectly. (Which is normal for all actors!)

As for editing, I don't think there is much to say about here. I believe the art lies in the performance, script and characters. This was my first feature film, and I can say that I am quite happy with the end result. Realizing that I CAN complete a movie all by myself makes me want to create more short films!




Monday 9 August 2010

My Pointless Animation

Being bored on a rainy day, what else is there to do?? Well, my friends, I made a pointless stop motion video for all of you to see!! So, here's 12 seconds gone from your life. Watch at your own expense...muahaha... If you think this is boring, try filming and editing it!
Fun FACT OF THE DAY:  24 frames makes up a second!!!

So...enjoy this pointless clip. This one's called Monkey Adventure.

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